Stillwater Equine Veterinary Clinic

9550 60th Street North Stillwater, MN 55082 (651) 770-6167Stillwater Equine Veterinary Clinic

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THE STILLWATER EQUINE VETERINARY CLINIC (SEVC) is located in Stillwater, MN and provides a comprehensive offering of medical services.

It is known for its distinguished proficiency in the areas of surgery, medicine, lameness, and breeding. SEVC has been delivering noteworthy service and ethical medical care since 1975.

Services

AT STILLWATER EQUINE we strive to ensure that we provide our patients with excellent medicine and surgery.

Complementary Therapies Complementary TherapiesChiropractic AdjustmentsHorses are versatile and athletic animals. Like humans, horses can develop musculoskeletal pain that can hinder their performance.Chiropractic adjustment offers tremendous potential in animal health care. The practice does not encompass the entire study of health and disease, but it does offer alternative and additional explanations for ailments. The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship of the structure (primarily the spine) to the nervous system and how that relationship interacts in the complete picture of body bio-mechanics and movement. If you would like to set up an appointment for a chiropractic adjustment for your horse contact our office at 651-770-6167.Veterinary AcupunctureAcupuncture can be described as "an ancient Oriental system of therapy." The technique has been used on animals and humans for thousands years. Veterinary acupuncturists use a variety of techniques to stimulate acupuncture points including solid needles, injection of fluid into the points, electricity, or heat.Acupuncture brings about a variety of physiological changes which can be beneficial for many diseases. It can stimulate nerves, increase circulation, relieve muscle spasms, and trigger the release of compounds such as endorphins and cortisol.There is much we still do not understand about acupuncture and its effects, but we do know that acupuncture can be useful for many conditions. Acupunture is most commonly conditions used in veterinary medicine to treat neurological and musculoskeletal problems such as paralysis, arthritis, muscle injuries, and vertebral disk disease. Acupuncture can also be beneficial in gastrointestinal diseases (such as non-surgical colic), respiratory diseases (such as heaves), and some reproductive disorders.If you have further questions about acupuncture, how it can benefit your horse, or to schedule a consultation in order to begin therapy, contact our office at 651-770-6167.

Dentistry

A full evaluation of your horse's teeth should be done yearly, though in some cases more frequent examinations are necessary. Sharp points occur in most horses over time due to uneven grinding and wear on the horse's molars. Floating (filing or rasping the teeth) removes sharp enamel points that cause considerable discomfort to the cheeks, gums, and tongue.

With the advent of motorized dental equipment, veterinarians are now even better equipped to meet all of your horse's dental needs. There have been many exciting advances in equine dentistry over the past five years that have revolutionized our ability to provide the highest level of dental care.

Diagnostic Imaging Diagnostic ImagingEarly diagnosis and treatment is key to treating any disease. At Stillwater Equine Veterinary Clinic we take pride in the multiple modes of diagnostic imaging we can provide. Our capabilities include endoscopy, gastroscopy, digital radiography, and digital utrasonography with color-flow Doppler. Our digital equipment allows us to forward images electronically to referral doctors for updates and specialists for timely second opinions.Gastroscopy and EndoscopyEndoscopy and gastroscopy allow a veterinarian to see areas such as the nasal passage, pharynx, trachea, esophagus, stomach, urinary tract, uterus and bladder.Using our one meter Endoscope we are able to visualize the upper respiratory system including the sinuses, guttural pouches and larynx. This allows for early recognition and treatment of many respiratory diseases.The 3 meter scope allows us to visualize the stomach, pylorus and the upper most portion of the small intestine. We are then able to detect stomach abnormalities such as ulcers.Digital RadiographyDigital radiology allows instant high detail radiographs, providing information that often was not visualized on plain film x-rays. Subtle lesions can be examined from the level of individual hairs down to deep bone. Under high magnification, images remain very clear and margins retain sharp contrast. The "computerized" capability of this system allows us to adjust tones to best match the diagnostic needs of the individual horse and to detect very small problems which are not as visible on traditional x-rays. Digital UltrasoundWe currently use Aloka ultrasound machines for reproduction and a Pico digital ultrasound for lameness evaluation, allowing us to glimpse inside the soft tissue structures. Ultrasound allows for real-time measurement of damaged fibers so that we are better able assess the degree of injury, provide a prognosis, and appropriate treatment plan.For reproduction, ultrasound allows us to closely monitor and plan for the most likely time of ovulation, allowing for more precise timing of insemination. In addition, ultrasound aids in evaluating your mares reproductive tract for inflammation, infection, and other potential problems.Ultrasound is also commonly utilized to evaluate the lungs and abdomen. These can be helpful when looking for fluid or abscesses in the lungs. It also allows visualization of some parts of the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.

General Health Care

General medicine includes everything from annual physical examinations, routine vaccinations, dental exams, fecal exams, and routine de-worming programs. Talk to your Stillwater Equine veterinarian today to help you determine the ideal vaccine and de-worming program for your horse, herd, or barn.

Nutrition is another crucial aspect of preventative health care and encompasses balancing your horse's dietary needs for roughage and concentrates. No matter what life stage or activity level, your Stillwater Equine veterinarian is happy to refer you to the right feeding program. Managing your horse's nutrition is critical to all aspects of maintenance, performance, and aides in the prevention of many diseases.

Finally remember that your annual to bi-annual dental exams are a very important part of your preventative care plan. A horse's teeth affect proper chewing, digestion, nutrient absorption, and can even influence performance. See more about our dental services on the dental page.

Lameness Evaluation

Soundness evaluations come in many shapes and sizes. Sometimes it is just a check up before a show and at other times the horse has a specific lameness to be addressed. There is a process not only to identifying a lameness but to isolating a region in the limb responsible for that lameness.

Initially a passive exam for any abnormal swellings or thickening is completed, followed by observation at the walk and often the trot. This may help to identify the limb or limbs of interest to which a hoof tester is then applied to ascertain if the foot is involved. Either before or after the hoof testers, flexion tests can be completed to stress different parts of the limb or limbs to further isolate the region causing a problem.

Once a region on a limb or limbs have been identified, diagnostic nerve blocks may be required to further isolate the lameness. Diagnostic blocks are performed by placing a local anesthetic over the nerve(s) to desensitize a semi-specific area.

Additional diagnostic tools including radiographs and/or ultrasound of the affected region can be performed as determined between you and the veterinarian. After identifying the source of a problem, a specific treatment plan can be provided to fit the needs of the horse.

Neonatal Care Neonatal Care Stillwater Equine Veterinary Clinic provides a variety of neonatal services from medicine and supportive care to surgery. Foals, like children, can come into this world with a multitude of challenges beginning with their birth and continuing once "on-the-ground." We are on-call to help you and your newborn through those times.We can help with routine questions including nutrition management for mare and foal during the different stages of growth, a vaccination program designed just for youngsters, and a de-worming program ideal for your foal and herd situation.Mare ChecklistTemperature: 99.0-101.5 Heart Rate: 30-40 beats per minute Respiratory Rate: 10-20 breaths per minute Did she pass the placenta? It is ideal to put the placenta in a bag for your veterinarian to examine, especially if there was a difficult birth or if the mare has a fever. If she has not passed the placenta with 3-4 hours post-foaling, contact your veterinarian. Does she have full and developed udders? This is also important to note to make sure the foal is nursing.Newborn Monitoring Checklist Temperature: 99.0-101.5 (Use a lubricant on the thermometer when taking a temperature) Heart Rate: 70-100 beats per minuteRespiratory Rate: 20-40 breaths per minute (about 30 breaths per min 12 hours after birth) The foal should be standing and nursing within 2-3 hours of birth. Use a dilute chlorohexidine or betadine antiseptic on the umbilical cord after it breaks or w/in 30 minutes of birth. In the first 24 hours of life the foal should pass a meconium - this can be a dark and hard feces but comes in other colors as well. Monitor the foals urination in the first 24 hours to make sure it is urinating and also to confirm that it is not urinating from the umbilicus. 12-18 hours from birth have a veterinarian out to complete your foal's first exam and to check IgG levels in order to assess that antibody absorption from colostrum is adequate. If there are any concerns about the condition of the mare or foal please contact the veterinarian.Foaling Checklist Veterinarians' Phone Number: 651-770-6167Thermometer plus OB lube Enema Towels StethoscopeIvermectin to de-worm mare within 24 hours post-foalingGloves Baling twine or strong string if needed to tie placenta to a level just above hocksChlorohexidine or Betadine and a cup in order to apply to umbilicus Bucket or plastic bag to save placenta for a veterinarian to examine

Ophthalmology

Stillwater Equine provides routine eye care for horses in the field and in the clinic.

For complicated cases we have a consultant relationship with Dr. Robert Lorocca, a board certified ophthalmologist who provides opthalmological care and surgical treatment. Equine ophthalmology patients are scheduled by contacting Dr. Larocca's office at Animal Eye Specialty Center. The specific location of the appointment will be determined based upon referring veterinarian request, location, and scheduling availability.

Equine surgical services include:

Surgical treatment of traumatic lesions (eyelid and corneal lacerations )

Neoplasia (squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, sarcoids)

Uveitis (cyclosporine implants)

Corneal diseases (ulcers, stromal abscesses, neoplasia, corneal grafting)

Glaucoma (laser surgery)

Cataracts (cataract surgical removal)

Tattooing

Reproduction

Stillwater Equine provides routine and specialized reproduction services for mares and stallions.

We use state of the art diagnostic and therapeutic techniques available to maximize the likelihood of a successful breeding. We are equipped to assist you with everything from determining the best preventative care and nutrition plan for your pregnant mare to intensive management of sick or abnormal foals.

Surgery SurgeryStillwater Equine provides both general and specialized surgical services. Surgical management is available for both major and minor cases, elective or emergency, on an inpatient or outpatient basis, with expertise in all areas from soft tissue work to orthopedic procedures. Horses are easily transported to the surgical suite and allowed to recovery safely from anesthesia in the padded surgical area. In addition, the Stillwater Equine Veterinary Clinic is equipped with digital radiology to provide instant quality imaging needed for various surgical procedures as well.Common General Anesthetic SurgeriesColic Abdominal SurgeryExploratory Abdominal SurgeryArthroscopic SurgeryAbdominal Hernia RepairSurgical Dental ProceduresTie-back ProceduresNeurectomySuspensory Desmotomy

24 Hour Emergency Services

We offer 24 hour emergency services provided by the doctor and technicians on call. In the event of an emergency call (651) 770-6167.

For after hours and weekends you will get a recording that will give the phone number of the doctor on call, or you can contact our answering service at 651-229-3079.

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Complementary Therapies
Dentistry
Diagnostic Imaging
General Health Care
Lameness Evaluation
Neonatal Care
Ophthalmology
Reproduction
Surgery
24 Hour Emergency Services

Doctors and Staff

OUR TEAM AT SEVC has received excellent education and training to provide you with the best quality of medicine and service.

Dr. Terry Arnesen
Dr. Jon Engstrom
Dr. Ann Bower
Dr. Brian Dahms
Dr. Toby Sheely
Dr. Ava Redig
Dr. Megan O'Connell
Jen
Kim
Janice
Missy
Nettie
Kyle
Liz

Facilities

Main Clinic

As you enter the front door of the clinic you are greeted at the reception desk by one of our friendly customer service representatives. If you are facing the front desk to your right is the comfortable waiting area and your left the product area.

Treatment Bay

Attached to the main clinic is the primary treatment bay which has three intensive care stalls and procedure stocks. This area is heated during our cold Minnesota winters. This area allows the doctors to monitor patients around the clock when necessary.

Surgical Facility

Our hospital is equipped with a fully padded surgical suite and recovery area. There is hydraulic lift surgical table and a hoist system to facilitate positioning of patients in preparation for surgery.

Contact

Contact Us

Stillwater Equine Veterinary Clinic

9550 60th Street North

Stillwater, MN

55082

(651) 770-6167

Internships and Externships
DVM INTERNSHIPStillwater Equine veterinary internship program was established in 2006. The practice currently offers 1-2 internships annually. The internship is intended to provide the intern with a foundation of knowledge and experience to enter private practice. While in the hospital, the intern will work with Dr. Arnesen and will rotate through the surgery, medicine, and anesthesia services. Primary responsibilities will include diagnostics and care of hospital patients, emergency duty, anesthesia, radiology, and assisting with lameness exams, a variety of medical procedures and surgery. On ambulatory, the intern will ride along with the four other doctors at the practice. The interns will assist and observe routine reproductive work, neonatal evaluation and medicine, basic lameness exams, radiology, and pre-purchase exams. They will also rotate emergency on-call duty. For specific details on salary, benefits, and additional information, please see our internship program listing posted in Avenues on the American Association of Equine Practitioners website www.aaep.org.Internships are for one year and run from May to May. Applications are accepted until October 15th each year. Notification of acceptance is in late November.To apply for the internship position, please send a resume, letter of intent, and 3 letters of reference to info_stillwaterequine.com. If you have any questions regarding this program, please direct your inquiry to Dr John Engstrom at 651-770-6167.Past InternsAva Redig 2010-2011Genevieve Bergman 2010-2011Gretchen Geib 2009-2010Stacie Seymour 2008-2009Stacy Bethke 2007-2008 Maria Krenz 2006-2007

STUDENT EXTERNSHIPSVeterinary Student Externship:Stillwater Equine offers to veterinary students an externship program that provides a clinical experience to satisfy the externship requirements for their degree. As a private clinic the amount of actual "hands-on" experience is somewhat limited. However, there is an enormous amount of information to be gained by observation and exposure to our heavy caseload. Clinicians, interns and technicians make every effort to explain hospital cases and procedures whenever possible. Externs work with Dr Arnesen or the four other ambulatory practitioners on a rotational basis. Externs have the opportunity to observe surgery, anesthesiology, internal medicine, lameness, ophthalmology and reproduction. To request an externship or for additional information, please contact us at 651-770-6167 or by e-mail at info_stillwaterequine.com Veterinary Technician Externship:Stillwater Equine offers an externship program for students enrolled in accredited Veterinary Technician curriculums. The program is designed to provide students an off campus experience under the supervision of a licensed veterinary technician. A period of clinical experience introduces theveterinary technician student to the various daily activities of an equine veterinary technician in the workplace. Students rotate through all areas of the hospital including radiology, surgery, medicine, reproduction, laboratory and ambulatory practice. Time frames are arranged on an individual basis to fit each students needs and schedules. The externship is mainly observation based with hands on experience when the situation permits. Faculty from the respective colleges monitor the clinical affiliation via phone or visits throughout the program. If you are interested in an externship please contact the clinic at (651) 770-6167 or by e-mail at info_stillwaterequine.com
Horse Health

Horse Health

AT SEVC WE STRIVE to work with you to best treat your horse. To learn more about horse health, browse our links below.

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Choke ChokeChoke occurs when partially chewed food gets wadded up and stuck in the esophagus. The horse coughs excessively, trying to shift the mass. Saliva and particles of food exit the nostrils, since the horse is unable to swallow. Depending on where the obstruction is, you may or may not be able to see a lump from the outside.In some cases, it's difficult to identify choke as distinct from fairly regular horse behaviors. To correctly identify choke, look to see if the horse is coughing or unable to swallow. One of the most certain signs of choke is the regurgitation of feed through both the mouth and nostrils.Some horses are able to resolve a mild choke on their own. Allow the horse to relax and keep it away from food and water temporarily. Choke can be a medical emergency. Some horses are very uncomfortable and can behave similarly to a colic. If the choke does not seem to be resolving contact your veterinarian.Causes of ChokeA number of factors can lead to a choke.Horse not chewing feed completely, due to dental problems, such as missing or painful teeth, sharp points, etc.Horse eating too quickly and swallowing before food is chewed properly.Horse not producing enough saliva to wet food properly when eating.Partial obstruction of the esophagus due to tumor, or scarring from old injuries etc.Treating ChokeAs soon as you suspect your horse is choking, remove all feed and hay, so he can't eat anything else, adding to the problem. Call the vet immediately.While you're waiting for the vet, encourage the horse to stand quietly, with his head down. This will decrease the chance that anything he coughs up will find it's way into his trachea and lungs and possibly cause aspiration pneumonia, a complication that sometimes arises after a choke has cleared.When treating choke, the vet's objective is to clear the obstruction from the esophagus. This is done by passing a tube through the horse's nostril and down into the esophagus, to the point of the obstruction.The vet then flushes water into the tube and syphons it back out again. This usually has to be done many times, sometimes taking two or more buckets of water. Each time, a bit more of the matted food is washed away and the mass gets smaller.By carefully working the tube back and forth in the esophagus, the vet can move the obstruction down into the stomach and clear the choke. Care has to be taken so the esophagus is not damaged or ruptured in the process.Preventing ChokeThere are a number of ways in which the horse owner can help prevent a choke.Schedule regular dental exams. For a senior horse, this may need to be done twice yearly.Switch to a "Senior" feed that is more easily chewed and digested.Wetting the feed down also helps with chewing and digestion.If the horse tends to bolt his food place one or more large rocks in the feeder so the horse has to pick around them to get to its grain.Schedule as much turnout time as possible, so the horse can graze between meals, which may make him eat its grain more slowly.

Colic ColicColic is a general term given for any abdominal pain. There are many types and causes of colic as well as predisposing factors. A horse's digestive system is highly sensitive; therefore, colic is a major cause of death in horses.There are five types of digestive colic: spasmodic, impaction, incarceration, displacement, and excessive fermentation.Spasmodic colic is the mildest and most common. It is associated with over-excitement or sudden feed changes. It generally responds well to modest medical treatment.Impaction colic is caused by normal ingesta or foreign material blocking the intestine. It may be caused by increased coarseness of forage, decreased intestinal fluid, or interference with normal intestinal movement. If the blockage prevents passage of gas as well as ingesta, surgical intervention may be necessary.In incarceration colic, a loop of the intestine may become trapped within a normal or abnormal structure in the abdominal cavity. A common example is a strangulating lipoma. This situation may require surgery if the blood supply to the intestine is cut off.In displacement colic, a portion of the intestine becomes twisted or caught in an abnormal position. The displacement may or may not be strangulating, but surgery usually is required to save the horse's life. The picture to the right shows a nephrosplenic entrapment, where the colon (brown) becomes entrapped between the spleen (purple) and the kidney (not visual).Excessive fermentation occurs when the stomach's contents ferment more rapidly than they can be eliminated. This usually is caused by eating too much grain. Surgery rarely helps, and medical treatment is difficult. This situation also can cause rapid chemical changes in the blood that lead to abnormal blood flow to the hooves leading to laminitis.CausesIrregular feeding timesLack of waterGiving excess water to hot horses or horses deprived of waterExcess grainMoldy feedImproperly chewed food due to eating too fast or poor teethOvereating grain when hungry from being off feedConsuming foreign objectsFecaliths or enteroliths (large accumulations formed in the intestine around foreign material)Feeding on the ground where sand can be ingestedFeeding excessive salt to salt-deprived horses when water is not readily available (rare)ParasitesDiarrhea Signs of ColicRefusing to eatBiting at flanksLooking at the abdomenAn expression of anxiety on its faceKicking at belly, rolling, pawing, getting up and down frequently and overall restlessnessAssuming a saw horse posture (legs stretched out as if to urinate)Increased pulse rateNormal or raised temperatureSweatingAbdominal distentionDepressionLack manure productionSmall volumes of firm, mucus-covered feces DiagnosisThere is no easy way to determine whether surgery is needed. A thorough exam and clinical judgment are required. Many times the severity of pain is the deciding factor on whether to go to surgery. Conservative treatment is utilized when possible.A veterinarian should conduct a physical examination. The initial exam should be done from a distance to better observe the horse's behavior. The veterinarian will check the heart rate and capillary refill time (checked on the gums) to aid in determining cardiovascular status. He or she also will listen to abdominal noises and perform rectal palpitation to check for irregularities.Further diagnostic procedures may be required, including blood evaluation, abdomniocentesis, abdominal radiography, endoscopy, ultrasonography, and diagnosis of fecal material.General treatment strategiesPrior to the arrival of the veterinarian:Do not allow the horse to eat.Prevent injury. Walk the horse if it is trying to roll.If the horse is quiet, leave it alone and observe.Do not give pain medication prior to the veterinarian's analysis.Medical treatment may include the following procedures depending on the signs exhibited by the horse:Nasogastric tube to relieve gas or excess fluidSedation to allow examinationAnalgesic for pain (e.g., Banamine)Intravenous fluid to correct electrolyte and acid-base imbalancesSurgery may involve resection of the damaged intestinePrevention of colicThe following management practices can help you avoid colic in your horses:Feed at regular time intervalsBe sure clean, fresh water always is availableProvide high-quality feed--high forage, low concentrate.Make feed changes gradually.Maintain a regular schedule of exercise.Provide regular dental care to allow for proper chewing.Maintain a regular worming schedule (once every 2 months or as advised by veterinarian).Keep foreign materials that could be ingested, such as rubber feeders or fencing material, away from horses.

Cushings Disease Cushings DiseasePituitary pars intermedia dysfunction or Equine Cushings DiseasePituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) in the horse is a slowly progressive disorder with characteristic clinical features. Also known as equine Cushings disease because of its similarity to Cushings disease in humans. Unlike humans, the condition in horses is caused by adenomas or adenomatous hypertrophy of the intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland located in the brain.The clinical signs include hirsutism (excessively long hair), hyperhidrosis (increased sweating), increased water intake and urination, muscle wasting, increased susceptibility to bacterial and parasitic infections, lethargy, bulging eyes and a predisposition to laminitis. Laminitis is generally considered on of the most serious secondary diseases.PPID is caused by functional hyperplasia of the intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland. This enlargement apparently occurs because of an age related decline in the neurotransmitter dopamine, which has an inhibitory affect on the intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland. The specific reason(s) for the high incidence of laminitis in horses with PPID is unknown. They may be partially related to a deficiency in circadian fluxuations of corticosteroid secretion. This has potential adverse affects on the vascular integrity in the hoof and structural stability of the hoof's lamellar connective tissue.The diagnosis of PPID is made by consideration of the clinical signs, age of the horse, and laboratory testing. There are numerous laboratory tests including measurement of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and/or the dexamethasone suppression test.Currently the one treatment available which has shown clinical improvement for Cushings Disease is a drug called Pergolide. The drug replaces dopamine, so it is generally given for life. Sometimes this drug can be used in conjunction with another drug called Cyproheptadine. While these drugs can provide effective management of the disease, they do not appear to be a permanent cure.For more information:http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FDN/is_2001_Sept/ai_80532257/pg_1?tag=artBody;col1http://www.infovets.com/healthyhorseinfo/E136.htm

Dental Care Dental CareHorses are well adapted to grazing. Their front teeth (incisors) function to bite off forage while the cheek teeth (premolars and molars) act to grind the feed so it can be easily digested. Horses have baby teeth (deciduous) and adult (permanent) teeth. The baby teeth are usually in place by 8 months of age, and by 2.5 years those teeth are being replaced by adult teeth. Most horses have all of their adult teeth by age 5. However, the horses' tooth is constantly erupting throughout their life. The silica and fiber in the horses diet constantly wears the teeth down.The inside of the tooth, cementum portion, is softer than the outside, enamel portion.Problems may arise as the teeth wear. The teeth are slightly off set which can lead to the outside of the upper teeth and the inside of the lower teeth developing sharp ridges. Every horses' teeth align somewhat differently, and when this alignment is uneven, ramps and hooks can arise as the teeth erupt. These changes, if not addressed, often lead to problems chewing and processing food and even weight loss. Improperly chewed feed can lead to choke and colic. Furthermore any of the above mentioned, ridges, ramps, and hooks may affect your horse's response to the bit.Routine dental care is vital for the health and longevity of your horse. As your horse ages his or her teeth are constantly changing. Teeth should be checked for sharp points on at least an annual but preferably bi-annual basis.If sharp points or abnormal wear are detected your horse will need a float. Floating is the procedure that basically grinds down sharp points and uneven wear to get the horses mouth back into proper alignment. This procedure is most commonly done on a yearly basis, but horses that have severe dental problems may need to be done every six months.Recognizing Dental ProblemsDental problems can present themselves in many different ways. Below is a list of signs commonly associated with dental disease:Excessive dropping of feed or excessive salivationWeight lossLarge undigested feed particles in the manureHead tilting or tossing, fighting the bit, or resistance to bridlingFoul odor from the mouth or nostrilsPuss like nasal dischargeSwelling of the face or jaw

Deworming Deworming
Simple

Gastric Ulcers Gastric UlcersUlcers can affect any age, breed, sex or discipline of horse. Horses ranging from race horses to everyday pasture pets have been found to have varying stages of ulcers. Horses also have varying degrees of clinical signs.Horses have evolved as grazers, because of this their stomach is always producing stomach acid even when there is no food being ingested. When the horses are put on scheduled meals their stomachs may become irritated from excess acid. Forages like hay decrease the acidity of the stomach, while grains increase the acidity. It is thought that horses may experience gastritis, similar to heartburn in humans, because of the acid irritation to the stomach. Each horse will respond to ulcers and or gastritis in different ways.The incidence of gastric ulcers varies from about 37% in non-competition horses, to 60% in sports horses, to over 90% in young Thoroughbred race horses in training. They are also commonly found in sick foals, where the stress of illness acts to increase acid secretion. Clinical signs of gastric ulceration include poor appetite or a failure to eat grain, low grade colic, poor performance, loss of body condition and a dull coat. Clinical signs can help suggest the presence of gastric ulcers but currently the only definitive means of diagnosis is by endoscopic examination (gastroscopy), of the esophagus, stomach and the proximal section of the small intestine.We can treat ulcers and we can manage their occurrence through medication. The most effective drug that is available is omeprazole (Gastrogard®). This drug stops acid production in the stomach which allows the ulcers time to heal.

Laminitis/Founder Laminitis and FounderThe definition of laminitis is: inflammation of the sensitive lamina of the hoof which can lead to disruption of the attachment between the coffin bone and the inner hoof wall. A horse has founder when the lamellae of the inner hoof wall, which normally suspend the coffin bone from the inner surface of the hoof capsule, degenerate and fail. Without the coffin bone properly attached to the inside of the hoof, the weight of the horse and the forces of movement drive the bone down into the hoof capsule. This process causes severe pain which is characterized by acute lameness. During normal hoof growth, attachments between the hoof wall and the hoof capsule are constantly being broken down and then reformed. It is proposed that the cell-cell and cell-basement membrane attachments are released under the influence of active matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMPs have been isolated from normal lamellar tissues and are increased in lamellar tissues of horses affected by laminitis.The enzymatic theory of laminitis based on lamellae MMP activation challenges the alternative view that laminitis develops because of vascular changes to the circulation of the foot. Traditionally, it was suggested that vasoconstriction and compartment syndrome decreased the flow of blood in the lamellar microcirculation to induce severe damage and death of epidermal lamellae. Collectively, these results suggest that in the acute phase of laminitis, the enzymatic effect might be the earliest and most influential effect on laminar structures.The most common predisposing factors with laminitis include excessive ingestion of carbohydrates (grain overload), grazing of lush pastures (especially in ponies) and excessive exercise in adult horses. It also may occur secondary to post-parturient metritis, endotoxemia, colic, enteritis, or administration of excess corticosteroids.Clinical signs of laminitis are often only noted after the disease has progressed and, by that time, the inciting factor may be difficult to ascertain. Once clinical signs of laminitis are present, the clinical course of the disease is typically correlated to the degree of laminar damage. Horses with mild laminar damage have less severe signs and usually respond quickly to therapy. Horses with extensive laminar changes have more severe signs and either respond less quickly or not at all to medical therapy. In general, the acute laminitis affects both front feet, but all four feet could be involved. On palpation, heat may be present over the hoof wall and coronary band. An increased bounding digital pulse is evident. The degree of pain may be reflected by an increased heart rate, muscle tremors, and sweating. In severe cases, examination is difficult since the horse will often not allow the feet to be picked up to be examined. The picture to the right is of a horse with severe laminitis; note how the horse places it's hind feet further under to try and relieve the weight and pressure for the front feet.The diagnosis of laminitis is based on clinical signs, physical examination and radiography. Examination with a hoof tester will reveal pain over the sole, particularly at the toe, and tapping on the hoof wall may also cause pain. Radiographs should be taken at the first sign of cute laminitis to develop a baseline for continuous radiographic comparison. Early radiographic signs in laminitis include mild bony reaction along the front of the coffin bone, in addition to widening the distance between the coffin bone and the hoof wall. Rotation of the coffin bone away from the hoof wall confirms the diagnosis of laminitis. The goals of treatment are:1) to prevent the further progression of laminitis2) to reduce the pain3) to prevent movement of the coffin bone (rotation or sinking) Acute laminitis should be considered a medical emergency, and treatment should be initiated as soon as possible, preferably before clinical signs develop. Since circulating endotoxin and infectious processes are found in cases of laminitis, treatment for endotoxemia and sepsis should be attempted. When a horse is suspected of grain overload, one gallon of mineral oil by stomach tube acts as a laxative and tends to prevent absorption of toxic material from the gastrointesinal tract. Some recommended treatments include intravenous fluids, antibiotics, flunixin meglumine (Banamine) or phenylbutazone (Bute). Additional laminitis-preventative measures include the administration of anti-inflammatory drugs, vasodilator, heparin, oral aspirin, and placement of the horse in the stall. Some cases need trimming of the hoof. Laminitis will cause abnormal and sometimes accelerated hoof growth.The outcome of horses with laminitis is difficult to predict. It correlates with predisposing factors, degree, if any of rotation or sinking, and ability of the owner to work through the management of the condition. Information for this page was found at:http://www.addl.purdue.edu/newsletters/2004/winter/laminitis.aspFurther information can be found at:http://www.horseshoes.com/advice/laminitis/pollitt1/equinelaminitisarevisedpathophysiology.htmhttp://evrp.lsu.edu/06laminitis.htmhttp://www.livestocktrail.uiuc.edu/horsenet/paperDisplay.cfm?ContentID=9964

Metabolic Syndrome Metabolic SyndromeEquine metabolic syndrome is characterized foremost by insulin resistance, defined as a peculiar physiological response to the ingestion of foods that are eventually broken down to glucose or other sugar molecules. Abundant in certain feedstuffs commonly fed to horses, glucose causes a normal state of hyperglycemia or elevated sugar in the blood. The elevated glucose prompts the release of insulin from the pancreas, which encourages the removal of glucose from the bloodstream by fat or skeletal muscle cells. Once in the cells, glucose can be put to work immediately to fuel exercise or growth or be stored as glycogen or fat for later use. Insulin resistance implies that either the central tissue (liver) or the peripheral tissues (the skeletal muscle or the fat cells) are relatively insensitive to the action of insulin or that the quantity of insulin released by the pancreas in response to hyperglycemia is diminished. This leaves glucose circulating in the blood. Because glucose levels do not drop, the pancreas continues to discharge insulin, leading to elevated concentrations of insulin in the bloodstream, a condition known as hyperinsulinemia.In the equine model, obesity appears to be related to the onset of metabolic syndrome. The suggested cause is that certain fat cells produce cortisol, among other hormones, which interferes with the ability of insulin to move the glucose into cells. Obese horses having more fat cells to produce cortisol results in greater interference with insulin. This explains why weight reduction is effective in increasing insulin sensitivity. Not all fat horses are insulin resistant and not all insulin resistant horses are overweight. Current beliefs hold that horses whose fat cells produce high levels of leptin as well as cortisol are the ones prone to insulin resistance. Leptin is not believed to cause insulin resistance but is found to be higher in horses that are insulin resistant. Age and diet may be directly related to the development of equine metabolic syndrome. Age is thought to decrease the horses sensitivity to insulin. Meals high in starch and sugar cause significant spikes in blood glucose and insulin, and years of consuming such meals might lead to insulin resistance. At this time, diagnosis of equine metabolic syndrome is based on description and physical characteristics, results of glucose-tolerance testing, and elimination of similar conditions. Affected horses are usually between the ages of eight and 18. Horses and ponies of nearly all breeds have been diagnosed, though Morgans, Peruvian Pasos, Paso Finos, domesticated Spanish Mustangs, and Warmbloods appear to be especially predisposed to the syndrome. As a group, ponies tend to become overweight more readily than horses and are often inclined to suffer from laminitis. Whats more telling than either age or breed of the patient is distribution of exterior body fat. Areas of unusual fat accumulation include the top of the neck (commonly called the crest), over the shoulders, and the rump (including deposits over the croup and just above the tailhead). Significant fat sometimes settles in the sheaths of geldings, so much so that they may appear swollen. Affected broodmares show unusual estrous cycling, which makes them incredibly difficult to get pregnant. Anecdotal evidence by owners is also instrumental in diagnosing equine metabolic disease. Owners frequently describe their horses as easy keepers, finding it virtually impossible to reduce the weight of these horses by calorie restriction alone. Many report that high-calorie feeds such as grain are not being fed.An overwhelming secondary symptom of equine metabolic syndrome is chronic laminitis. The laminitis exhibited by these obese, middle-aged horses tends to be mild. On occasion, so minimal are the laminitic episodes that knowledgeable, conscientious horse owners cannot vouch definitively for any clinical signs of lameness. The hard evidence speaks a different tale, however. Abnormal hoof growth occurs. Dropped soles, unusual growth lines, and separation of the hoof at the white line are frequently observed.The most important factor to helping horses with metabolic disease is getting the extra weight off. These animals should be taken off grain. Pasture time should also be limited. In springtime when the pasture conditions are very conducive to rapid grass growth, the pasture has a very high carbohydrate content, resulting in very high circulating insulin concentrations for these animals. Soaking hay for 30 minutes (and pouring off the water) helps to leech out extra calories. Reducing calories along with regular exercise can help take off the extra weight.More information can be found at:http://www.cals.vt.edu/news/pubs/innovations/jan2008/horses.htmlwww.safergrass.org/pdf/METSYNDeq.pdf

Strangles StranglesStrangles is a highly contagious disease that affects a horses lymph nodes in its upper respiratory tract. It is caused by a bacterium called streptococcus equi. The name, strangles, was coined due to the strangling breathing sounds made by affected horses, caused by the enlarged sub-mandibular and retro-pharyngeal lymph nodes.Strangles can affect horses of any age, but most commonly infects those between one and five years of age. The disease is usually acquired after exposure to another horse that is shedding the streptococcus equi bacteria, either during or after its own bout of the illness. This can occur when new horses are introduced to an established herd and can also become established in an area. Although the infectious horse may no longer show signs of strangles, it can still spread the bacteria. Around twenty percent of horses remain contagious for a month after all symptoms are gone.While direct contact between horses is the most common way that strangles is spread, it can also be spread by contaminated equipment. Improperly cleaned and shared buckets, stalls, and tack can spread the disease between horses. Fortunately, the bacteria die fairly quickly in the environment.Once a horse is exposed to the bacteria, it will begin to show symptoms in two to six days. If left untreated, it will develop abscessed lymph nodes within one to two weeks after the onset of illness. These lymph nodes will rupture and drain, and the drainage is highly contagious. Most horses will recover, but around ten percent of untreated horses die, usually from a secondary infection which causes pneumonia or due to an inability to move air through the upper respiratory tract.With onset, the horse appears depressed, dull, and stops eating. Typically, the temperature rises to 103°C. After a few days lymph nodes around the throat swell, forming abscesses. The horse can have difficulty breathing and swallowing. A nasal discharge is at first clear and then becomes purulent (thick with signs of pus), after the abscesses have ruptured in the nasal passages. Sometimes the veterinarian surgically opens the abscesses to help breathing. Abscesses that rupture shed highly infective pus into the environment, which can infect other horses. In some outbreaks and in up to ten percent of cases, these abscesses spread to other parts of the body (a condition known as bastard strangles) which is nearly always fatal. To control the spread of the strangles bacteria, any new horse with a vague or unknown health history should be isolated for four to six weeks before being added to the general population of the stable or paddock. Nasal swabs can ascertain whether the horse is shedding the streptococcus equi bacteria, but because affected horses shed the bacteria sporadically, one swab test is not enough. Three nasal swabs over a period of seven days are required before it can be assumed that the horse is negative for strangles.Strangles can also be controlled by vaccinations. Although modern vaccines are more effective than those of the past, providing better protection with fewer side effects, they are not a complete guarantee against the disease. Still, vaccinated horses tend to have a less severe illness if they do contract strangles.If you suspect that your horse has strangles, notify your veterinarian to confirm the presence of the disease. The sooner a positive diagnosis is reached, the less down time the stable will have to tolerate. Most often strangles is allowed to "run its course," with the majority of horses recovering with little or no problems. There are more severe strains of strangles that can cause multiple lymph nodes to abscess on the face. These horses maybe started on antibiotics. The treatment of strangles is dependent on the stage of the disease. Also, if a horse begins antibiotic treatment in the early stages of the disease, lymph node abscesses can be prevented. However, once lymph nodes have enlarged and become abscessed, antibiotic treatment will only prolong the horses illness. It is better to allow the abscess to open, or have the veterinarian lance it, so that it may drain. The best treatment at this point is to flush the drainage site, keep the area as clean as possible, and to maintain strict isolation of the ill horse.If your horse was stabled near one who had strangles at a show or rodeo, it is reasonable to treat it with antibiotics for at least six days after exposure. This is because horses usually dont show the first signs of the disease for two to six days. However, if your horse is kept in a barn where other horses have strangles, antibiotics will do little to prevent it from getting the disease.

Vaccinations Vaccination Schedule
Simple

Choke
Colic
Cushings Disease
Dental Care
Deworming
Gastric Ulcers
Laminitis/Founder
Metabolic Syndrome
Strangles
Vaccinations

Links

LINKS

For more information about health care, nutrition, or clubs and organizations, browse our hand picked links below.

Health Care

General Information

American Association of Equine Practitioners

Foal Care

The Horse

UC Davis Center for Equine Health

U of MN Horse Extension

Specialists

Dr Larocca (Equine Ophthalmologist)

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